Definitely start with a rug. I don't know what your style is so can't make specific rug suggestion. But, I would take advantage of this neutral palette to choose a rug with a design and colors I love, then add pillows and accessories repeating those colors. Make sure the rug is large enough to be in scale with the sofa. The sofa has pretty hard lines, you might consider a round ottoman out of fabric. Above the sofa you could do artwork in graphic black and white, or color. Don't worry about everything matching. I am a believer that artwork is chosen because you love the piece. It should stand out in the room if you made the decision to invest in something. Check out local colleges the art department has several sales during the year of student art; especially around this time of year. Once you have the rug and ottoman add some chairs for additional seating. Enjoy and have fun.

1. If you are having white tiles on the wall, the same as floor (my preference) then the white bench top will look great. The kick board should be white to match white tiles and the bench will look like it is floating. 2. If you are having 'light' colours, and white basins, then the white bench top. 3. If you go with black benchtop with 'light colour', then I think you need to look at a black basin and keep the kick board black.

Hi mustang17 As mentioned above my go to for black accessories is also Phoenix. They are very reasonably priced and good Matt black and readily available. Check out the radii collection http://www.phoenixtapware.com.au/products?ph_collection=45 I would avoid mixing chrome and black as it will look like it wasn't a properly thought out design. Don't forget your basin/ bath wastes as well. Best wishes

I do like the lines created by the benchtop, the low splashback and the upper shelf. But the overall look is just a little too clinical, due to the high contrast between black and white. The stainless steel accentuates that too. Your timber shelf is on point though. All in all, nothing that some good styling can't fix :) I would start by removing the items you currently have on your shelf, as they don't seem to belong to this new kitchen. As many commenter pointed out, I would also replace the powerpoint sockets with black ones. Finally, I would add "texture" to the space: a large rectangular cheese board made of timber and marble (not round, not rustic), a trailing plant, such as a pothos, some sleek ceramics of different sizes (vessels, jugs, mugs, etc). Adding bright colours will only enhance the sense of contrast, and will not soften up the room or the black, so I would stick to neutrals or very light colours: nude, taupe, light terracotta, sage green, etc. Black could also be added onto those shelves, but by small touches only: a couple of matt black mugs maybe, or a smallish B&W photo, in a larger timber frame, with a large white mat around it, to give it breathing space. I would not add any more stainless steel or chrome finish, as cold metallic shades will only enhance the sense of, well, coldness. Brass or copper could added, but again, by small amounts. For some inspiration, look up some minimalist, Scandinavian kitchens with open shelving. Actually, your shelf doesn't have to be for kitchenware only. You can display all sorts of things (that won't be damaged by cooking grease, or that can be easily cleaned), so don't limit your search to pictures of kitchens! Another way to upgrade your kitchen would be to add washable wallpaper on the section of wall between splashback and shelf. Depending on the style of your home, and depending on what you like, you could be adding: - an industrial touch (with a recycled bricks look, [like this one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/aaron-and-megan-marrickville-contemporary-kitchen-sydney-phvw-vp~46088368) or [this one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/glen-iris-residence-contemporary-dining-room-melbourne-phvw-vp~15444377) or even [that one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-transitional-kitchen-london-phvw-vp~22949355) - a graphic [grey and white pattern[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/camp-hill-kitchen-feature-wallpaper-splashback-contemporary-kitchen-brisbane-phvw-vp~59346323) - or, why not, some beautiful foliage Good luck, have fun, and please, show us your progress!